Apparatus for storing information and triggering printing operations and the like



28, 1967 o. STURZINGER ETAL 3,35

APPARATUS FOR STORING INFORMATION AND TRIGGERING PRINTING OPERATIONS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 9, 1963 INVENTORS United States Patent C) 3,354,819 APPARATUS FOR STORHJG INFORMATION AND TRlGGERiNG PRINTING OPERATIONS A N D THE LIKE Os'sar Stiirzinger, B331, Zug, and Bruno Gemperle, Steinhausen, Zug, Switzerland, assignors to Anstalt Europaische Handelsgesellschait, Vaduz, Liechtenstein Filed Dec. 9, 1963, Ser. No. 329,034 Claims priority, application Switzerland, Dec. 14, 1962, 14,768/ 62 12 Claims. (Cl. 101-93) The present invention relates to an improved release or trigger control apparatus particularly adapted, although not limited, for application with ofhce printing machines .and the like. The inventive release or trigger apparatus serves for the timely triggering of an electric operation in dependence upon a revolving scanning or read-out system and storage of the operational information in magnetic storage rings which can assume two different states of magnetization or magnetic conditions.

One of the more essential aspects of the present invention resides in the feature that after reading-in or keyingin information corresponding to a desired operation, such information for example representing. a symbol, mark, command or the like, a magnetic storage ring operably associated with such read-in information is brought into one magnetic condition or state and moves out of such one magnetic condition into the other magnetic condition after switching-in an impulse generator, whereby in consequence of the attendant magnetic reversal a trigger or control pulse arrives at a further impulse generator which, in turn, initiates the desired operation, for example a printing operation.

More specifically, and in order to implement the inventive teachings, the apparatus of the present invention designed for triggering a desired operation generally comprises read-in means for reading-in information relevant to an operation desired to be undertaken, means for storing such read-in information, said storing means incorporating magnetic storage rings capable of assuming two different magnetic states or conditions, one such condition being in response to information stored by said magnetic storage means. Further, there is provided read-out means for retrieving the stored information, impulse generator means operatively connected with said read-out means for driving the magnetic storage rings into the other magnetic condition, conductor means cooperating with said magnetic storage rings such that the magnetic reversal of a given magnetic storage ring from the aforesaid one magnetic condition into the other magnetic condition generates a trigger pulse in said conductor means, and further imulse generator means responsive to the trigger pulse for initiating the desired operation.

According to a further aspect of the invention the readout means or scanning system can be so constructed that it serves as the pulsing means or timing valve for the driving impulse generator. Moreover, the readout system preferably incorporates a number of contact lamellae or disks corresponding in number to the number of individual items or bits of information, that is, symbols, marks, commands or the like capable of being read-in, each such denoting a desired operation for example, with such contact disks being wiped or operably acted upon by a revolving contact arm driven at constant or substantially constant rotational speed together with a type Wheel of the printing mechanism. It is also possible to provide a read-out or scanning system construction exhibiting a number of induction coils corresponding in number to the possible bits of information which can be read-in and which are influenced by a revolving magnet which together with a type wheel is driven at constant or substantially constant rotational speed. Finally, the impulse generator "ice operably associated with the read-out means can also be designed to embody means rotatable about an axis, what may be conveniently considered herein as a revolving or rotatable impulse generator.

It is, therefore, an important object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for reliably initiating a desired operation in response to input information, particularly for triggering a printing operation in a controlled manner.

A further important object of the present invention resides in the provision of improved apparatus for triggering a desired operation incorporating magnetic storage means capable of assuming two magnetic conditions, one such condition corresponding to stored information and the other magnetic condition being brought about during retrieval of the stored information, wherein the driving of a given magnetic storage ring from the aforesaid one magnetic condition to the other is utilized to initiate the desired operation.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of improved apparatus for triggering a desired operation manifested by its relatively simple construction yet highly reliable performance and accuracy.

Still a further important object of the present invention is to provide improved apparatus for triggering a desired operation comprising magnetic storage rings for storing information relevant to the operation desired to be performed, read-out means for retrieving the stored information from a corresponding magnetic storage ring, said read-out means being designed as a timing valve for an impulse generator for magnetically driving said magnetic storage rings.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of release or trigger control apparatus designed according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an arrangement similar to FIGURE 1, yet incorporating a diiferent type of scanning or read-out system;

FIGURE 3 shows details of a magnetic storage ring arrangement employed in the embodiment of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 illustrates details of a magnetic storage ring arrangement employed in the modified embodiment of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 5 schematically depicts details of a so-called revolving impulse generator adapted to be employed in the embodiment of FiGURE 2.

It is to be appreciated that'in describing the inventive release or trigger control apparatus such will be undertaken, by way of example, in conjunction with a printing mechanism, although it is to be manifestly understood that the underlying teachings of the subject invention can also be equally well employed in other environments, and hence, no limitations are to be implied because of such description.

Referring now to the drawing, and with particular attention initially directed to the embodiment depicted in FIGURES 1 and 3, it will be seen that there is provided a drive motor 2 having a shaft 1 driven at constant rotational speed and upon which there is arranged a suitable type wheel 3 and contact arm 4. This revolving contact arm 4 forms part of a scanning or readout system which embodies at least as many contact lamellae or disks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D etc. as the type wheel 3 carries symbols, marks, indicia or the like. It is further to be recognized that each contact disk 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, etc. is electrically coupled via a respective conductor ltia, 10b, 19c, 10d etc. with a magnetic storage ring 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D etc. respectively, and a resistor 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D etc., respectively. For the purpose 3 of linking the type wheel 3 there is advantageously provided an inking roller 6 or similar expedient.

For convenience in illustration there have only been depicted four information read-in key means A, B, C and D of the information read-in or operating key arrangement 7, each such read-in key being capable of delivering a respective bit of information corresponding to a desired command or operation to be performed. It should be apparent that upon selective actuation of any of such read-in keys A, B, C, D etc. the associated contact a, b, c, d etc. situated therebeneath is closed. Thus, for example, if the read-in key A is pressed then current flows from the positive pole (-1-) via the conductor 11a, the closed read-in key A, the conductor a piercingly extending through the magnetic storage ring 8A, and the resistor 9A to the negative pole Due to this current a magnetic field is induced in the magnetic storage ring 8A which throws or drives this ring into one of two possible magnetic conditions or states, such resulting magnetic condition being representative of information stored at this magnetic ring 8A.

In order to implement the information read-out or scanning operation the operating contact 10 is closed, whereby the impulse generator 11 is electrically coupled via conductor 17 with the revolving contact arm 4. As soon as this contact arm 4 touches the contact disk A the impulse generator 11 has imparted to it zero potential. Consequently, such impulse generator 11 delivers a steep or abrupt rectangular pulse of negative polarity. Such pulse occurs so quickly that the contact arm 4 is still located upon the contact disk 20A and permits current flow through the conductor 10a piercingly extending through the associated magnetic storage ring 8A. As a result, the magnetic storage ring 8A is driven or switched into the other magnetic state or condition. In consequence of the sudden magnetic reversal, a voltage or trigger pulse is induced in conductor 16 piercingly extending through all of the magnetic storage rings 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D etc. which, in turn, causes an impulse generator 12 electrically coupled with conductor 16 to deliver a rectangular pulse of positive polarity. At the output side of this impulse generator 12 there is operatively connected an electromagnet 13 which attracts an armature or tongue 15a subjected to the action of spring means 14, thereby pressing a paper tape, band 15 or the like against type wheel 3. Since the type wheel 3 travels in synchronism with the revolving contact arm 4 the infed information e.g. symbol read-in by means of the read-in key A, is printed upon such paper tape or band 15. Upon completion of a revolution of the revolving contact arm 4 all of the magnetic storage rings 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D etc., are switched over such that the original or starting condition prevails.

The aforedescribed embodiment employs so-called flying or continuous printing, that is to say, the type wheel rotates continuously. However, it is also possible to work with so-called stationary printing, wherein the type wheel is brought to standstill during the actual printing activity. For such purpose there may be advantageously provided a type wheel drive incorporating a slipping clutch, ratchet wheel and magnetic triggered pawl. Quite obviously,

. other operating functions can also be controlled in addition to the triggering of a printing operation, for example the feed and switching-in of tools of machine tools.

The variant embodiment of FIGURE 2 is constructed to operate with a different read-out or scanning system. Upon actuation of a given information read-in key E, F, G, H etc. of the operating key arrangement 27, the corresponding information e.g. symbol, command or otherwise is stored in the associated magnetic storage ring 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H etc. in the manner aforedescribed. The scanning or read-out system of this embodiment includes a revolving magnet 24 which sweeps past ringshaped induction coils 25, each such coil being operably associated with a respective conductor 25E, 25F, 25G, 25H

etc. extending through a respective magnetic storage ring 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H etc. In the coils 25 there is induced a voltage pulse which however, is not sufiicient to release a current which could drive or throw back the relevant magnetic storage ring 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H etc. into the other magnetic condition. These pulses, however, arrive via an associated conductor 3842 at an impulse generator 43 which upon closing of the operating contact 30, generates a step rectangular pulse in the conductor 37 guided through the magnetic storage rings 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H etc. In cooperation with the relevant connecting conductor of the group of conductors 25E, 25F, 25G, 25H etc. extending through the respective magnetic storage rings 28E, 28F, 28G, 28H etc. to the associated coil 25, there appears at the corresponding magnetic storage ring, with proper design or dimensioning, a magnetic field which is so strong that the magnetic storage ring under consideration is driven or thrown into the other magnetic condition. In consequence thereof, a further impulse generator is activated via conductor 36, the manner of the previous embodiment, and thereby places the printing mechanism into operation.

In the case of the revolving magnet 24 of the embodiment of FIGURE 2 it will be appreciated that such is a permanent magnet for example. However, a revolving electromagnet could also be employed, whereby under these circumstances a tripping pulse of sufficient strength may be generated to render the impulse generator 43 superfluous. It is also additionally possible to arrange the impulse generator 43 for rotating or revolving movement. Such an arrangement is shown for example in FIGURE 5, wherein the so-called revolving impulse generator depicted thereat embodies a suitable revolving magnet 51 which is synchronously driven with the revolving magnet 24 of the read-out system. This revolving magnet 51 of the impulse generator cooperates in known manner with suitable coils 50, advantageously corresponding in number to the number of coils 25 of the aforesaid read-out system. It should thus be apparent that as the magnet 24 of the read-out system rotates the magnet 51 is driven in synchronism therewith and thereby induces generation of suitable pulses in the coils 50 of the impulse generator 43, for reasons previously explained in detail herein.

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practised within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation comprising read-in means for reading-in information relevant to an operation desired to be undertaken, means for storing such read-in information, said storing means incorporating magnetic means capable of assuming two different magnetic conditions, one such magnetic condition being in response to information stored by said magnetic means, the other magnetic condition being in response to information discharged by read-out means, read-out means for retrieving the stored information, said read-out means including means for driving said magnetic means into the other magnetic condition, said read-in and read-out means sharing a common current conducting means for respectively placing said magnetic means into said one and then said other magnetic condition, means cooperating with said magnetic means such that the magnetic reversal of said magnetic means from said one magnetic condition into the other mag netic condition generates a trigger pulse in said cooperating means, and means electrically coupled with said co operating means responsive to said trigger pulse for initiating said desired operation.

2. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation comprising read-in means for reading-in information pertaining to an operation desired to be performed, means for storing such read-in information, said storing means incorporating magnetic ring means capable of assuming two different magnetic conditions, one such magnetic condition corresponding to information stored by said magnetic ring means, the other magnetic condition being in response to the absence of information readain, read-out means for retrieving the stored information, said read-out means including means for driving said magnetic ring means into the other magnetic condition, said read-in and read-out means having a common conducting means for respectively assisting in driving said magnetic ring means into said one magnetic condition and said other magnetic condition, conductor means cooperating with said magnetic ring means such that the magnetic reversal of said magnetic ring means from said one magnetic condition into the other magnetic condition induces a trigger pulse in said conductor means, and means electrically coupled with said conductor means responsive to said trigger pulse for initiating said desired operation.

3. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation according to claim 2 wherein said driving means includes an impulse generator, said read-out means being constructed to operate as a timing valve for said impulse generator.

4. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation according to claim 3 wherein said impulse generator embodies means rotatable about an axis.

5. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation according to claim 2 wherein said read-out means includes a rotating contact arm and a plurality of contact disks positioned to experience a wiping action by said rotating contact arm.

6. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation according to claim 2 wherein said read-out means comprises a rotating magnet and a plurality of induction coils arranged to be acted upon by said rotating magnet.

7. Apparatus for triggering a desired operation, particularly for application with printing machines, comprising read-in means for selectively reading-in information relevant to a printing operation desired to be undertaken, means for storing such read-in printing-operation information, said storing means comprising magnetic rings each capable of assuming two diiierent magnetic conditions, one such magnetic condition being in response to selective printing-operation information received from said read-in means and stored by an associated magnetic ring, the other magnetic condition being in response to information discharged by read-out means, read-out means for retrieving the stored printing-operation information, said read-out means including an impulse generator for driving said associated magnetic ring into the other magnetic condition, conductor means cooperating with said magnetic storage rings such that the magnetic reversal of said associated magnetic ring from said one magnetic condition into the other magnetic condition induces a trigger pulse in said conductor means, and means including a further impulse generator electrically coupled with said conductor means responsive to said trigger pulse for controlling the performance of the selectively read-in printing operation.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said readout means is constructed as a timing valve for said driving impulse generator.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including a type wheel disposed for cooperation with said trigger pulse responsive means, said read-in means being designed to selectively read-in a predetermined number of bits of information, with each information bit corresponding to a desired printing operation, said read-out means further including a rotating contact arm, means for driving said rotating contact arm conjointly with said type wheel at substantially constant rotational speed, a plurality of contact disks corresponding at least in number to the number of bits of information and positioned to be scanned by said rotating contact arm.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including a type wheel disposed for cooperation with said trigger pulse responsive means, said read-in means being designed to selectively read-in a predetermined number of bits of information, with each information bit corresponding to a desired printing operation, said read-out means further including a rotating magnet, means for rotating said magnet together with said type wheel at substantially constant rotational speed, a plurality of induction coils corresponding at least in number to the number of bits of information and positioned to be acted upon by said rotating magnet.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said driving impulse generator incorporates an element rotatable about an axis.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said driving impulse generator comprises a plurality of induction coils and said rotatable element is a rotating magnet c0- operating with said induction coils.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,9 19,967 1/ 1960 Schwertz. 3,099,206 7/ 1963 House. 3,134,964 5/ 1964 Wanlass 340-174 3,160,091 12/1964 Schwertz. 3,204,226 8/ 1965 Ulrich 340174 WILLIAM B. PENN, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, Examiner.

P. R. WOODS, Assistant Examiner. 

7. APPARATUS FOR TRIGGERING A DESIRED OPERATION, PARTICULARLY FOR APPLICATION WITH PRINTING MACHINES, COMPRISING READ-IN MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY READING-IN INFORMATION RELEVANT TO A PRINTING OPERATION DESIRED TO BE UNDERTAKEN, MEANS FOR STORING SUCH READ-IN PRINTING-OPERATION INFORMATION, SAID STORING MEANS COMPRISING MAGNETIC RINGS EACH CAPABLE OF ASSUMING TWO DIFFERENT MAGNETIC CONDITIONS, ONE SUCH MAGNETIC CONDITION BEING IN RESPONSE TO SELECTIVE PRINTING-OPERATION INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM SAID READ-IN MEANS AND STORED BY AN ASSOCIATED MAGNETIC RING, THE OTHER MAGNETIC CONDITION BEING IN RESPONSE TO INFORMATION DISCHARGED BY READ-OUT MEANS, READ-OUT MEANS FOR RETRIEVING THE STORED PRINTING-OPERATION INFORMATION, SAID READ-OUT MEANS INCLUDING AN IMPULSE GENERATOR FOR DRIVING SAID ASSOCIATED MAGNETIC RING INTO THE OTHER MAGNETIC CONDITION, CONDUCTOR MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID MAGNETIC STORAGE RINGS SUCH THAT THE MAGNETIC REVERSAL OF SAID ASSOCIATED MAGNETIC RING FROM SAID ONE MAGNETIC CONDITION INTO THE OTHER MAGNETIC CONDITION INDUCES A TRIGGER PULSE IN SAID CONDUCTOR MEANS, AND MEANS INCLUDING A FURTHER IMPULSE GENERATOR ELECTRICALLY COUPLED WITH SAID CONDUCTOR MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID TIRGGER FOR CONTROLLING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SELECTIVELY READ-IN PRINTING OPERATION. 